To what extent was Stalin's rule a disaster for the Soviet Union and its people?

Stalin's rule was disastrous in certain aspects such as industrialisation, collectivisation, the purges and the culture and social aspects of Russia at this time, but in the course of the hardship endured by all, a new and better country was formed. Through the period of Stalin's dictatorship, it was not an ideal place to live, but his goals were substantially fulfilled for the model Russia.

Industrialisation was a major enforcement that mostly brought about disastrous effects on Russia and its people. At this time, Russia was approximately fifty years behind the dominant powers in technology and production rates. Stalin set about rectifying this problem by introducing the Five Year Plans. There were three in total, which saw Russia grow through the world's depression. These Plans, however, did not have the people's welfare as priority, but the country's. As the people make the country, it is essential to put them first.

Chinese Stamp, 1950. Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong ...

English: From left to right: Joseph Stalin, Frankl...

English: Joseph Stalin

Stalin was not concerned for the people's comfort and happiness, which contributed to their reluctance to work hard that they were forced to do regardless of their preferred choices. Industry was Stalin's main focus to aid the modernisation process. Iron, steel, oil and coal was the production which helped gain ties with other nations. This was not necessarily a good thing as the prosperity promoted Russia as an asset to neighbouring countries during the war. The defeat of the Germans in World War II resulted in Russia being seen, as one of the leading world powers was one example of the Soviet Union's success in industrialisation. Industrialisation was not a complete disaster, however, as Russia caught up many years to the principal powers. It was absolutely catastrophic concerning the people of Russia, as they had to work endlessly under atrocious conditions and great pressure from the authorities who were...